Philippians: True and Lasting Joyنموونە

Paul urges those in conflict to be of the same mind. It means to recognize the good in others, treat them with respect and give the other the benefit of the doubt. It means to strive together to work toward peace and reconciliation. Conflict is resolved when both parties work with the same mind and purpose. 

There is no joy in conflict. When people live in conflict with one another, it creates turbulence in relationships. Conflict robs us of our joy. It disturbs our peace and kills our unity. 

Why does conflict happen? In Chapter 2, Paul says that our conflict arises because of our own selfishness. James 4 says our conflict is because of our own desires and pleasures. When there is conflict, our tendency is to blame others and look outside for reasons. But look inside your own heart to see how you have contributed to the disharmony. 

Paul urges those in conflict to be of the same mind. It means to recognise the good in others, treat them with respect and give the other the benefit of the doubt. It means to strive together to work toward peace and reconciliation. Conflict is resolved when both parties work with the same mind and purpose. 

Secondly Paul urges them to rejoice in the Lord. When one repents of their sin and selfishness that has contributed to the conflict, when one owns up to their own mistakes and how they have caused pain, such a humble admission and repentance leads to joy in Christ. 

Thirdly, Paul urges them to seek peace through penitent prayer. Anxiety opposes the peace that comes from God. Our hearts are anxious when we are worried about the outcome of conflict or the response of others. Instead, let us repent of our sin, thank God for His forgiveness and make our requests known to God trusting that He hears us. Praying with a humble heart and seeking God not only frees us from our anxiety but also gives us grace to move forward in forgiveness and reconciliation. 

Lastly, resist the temptation to think of others in the worst possible manner. Remember, when we sin, Jesus does not think the worst about us. God sees us with compassion and delights in us because of Christ’s righteousness that covers us. He does not act toward us the way our sins deserve. He moves toward us with tender love so that we can be reconciled back to Him in intimate fellowship. 

Is there a relationship that needs to be mended? Is there forgiveness that needs to be sought or given? Remember, God, the offended one in our relationship, took the initiative to send Jesus to pay for our sins. God the offended one paid the price of forgiveness so we can be reconciled to Him. 

The Gospel empowers us with love and grace to be people of peace and reconciliation.